So here's how I did it so someone could benefit from this horrible job and only take you 1 hour to do the complete job! Ok so my 06' 4.6 3v has 99,000 on it and I did the spark plugs today and did not break a one!!!!
First go and run a can of BG 44K injector and fuel system cleaner. This is only found in professional auto parts stores or shops. Run the complete tank of gas as far as you can make it. This has two benefits. First cleans your injectors and fuel system and secondly it removes a lot of carbon built on the SPARK PLUGS and upper cylinder head. After you do that, to perform the next part of the job, you need to let the vehicle sit over night. The engine needs to be COLD! Now you need a 3/8" air impact gun or electric. This is a must. However air is needed for the second part now. Use an air nozzle to blow away the dirt and debris from around the spark plug boot areas so none of that will fall done the spark plus well and into the motor. After you have done that now remove the electrical connector from the coil pack and the fuel injector. DO EACH CYLINDER ONE AT A TIME! This will prevent you from mixing up the connectors to different cylinders. Now take a 7mm socket and remove the bolt holding the coil pack. Pull up the coil pack and replace the electrode spring and boot on the coil. Save one old boot for later. I'll tell you later in the write up. Put dielectric grease on the end of the boot going to the spark plug. Take a 9/16", 6 point, deep well socket and use and extension with a long handle 3/8" ratchet and break the spark plug loose 1/4 turn. Be sure to stay straight on the plug or you will break the porcelain. Now take your impact gun and take it out the rest of the way. Take your old spark plug boot and push it down the tube of the loosen plug and pull it out. Out it comes!! No broken plugs and no wasted time! Replace with the OEM or equivalent spark plug. Replace the coil pack and tighten bolt. BAM! Your done! Move to the next cylinder and so on! Job is done in just about and hour. My theory on the impact gun is that it is breaking the carbon off as it impacts and it does not have time to build on the plug as it is coming out. When you use a ratchet the carbon binds and builds up on the plug and eventually breaks off in the head. Hope this helps! I got it from a tech who has been doing these for years!!
I used the in tank stuff. Don't let that stuff get on your hands. Nasty stuff. Use a 3/8" air gun. More compact and less torque. Mine is a cheap one. About 200lbs of torque. So nothing with brute power and you will need it compact to get it in those tight spaces.
Changed my plugs yesterday at 42k Miles. 3 out of 8 plugs broke. The Lisle tool worked flawlessly! Needed quite an assortment tools to complete the job! Lots of sizes of deep well sockets, air compressor, torque wrench, various socket extensions, long needle nose pliers, etc.
No real pattern to the plugs that broke... Front two on the left side, and back one on the right side.
Replaced with the new 1-piece Champion plugs.
Feel free to send me any questions.
